Moving Forward

“Immediately He made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while He sent the multitude away. And when He had sent them away, He departed to the mountain to pray. Now when evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea; and He was alone on the land. Then He saw them straining at rowing, for the wind was against them. Now about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed them by. And when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed it was a ghost, and cried out; for they all saw Him and were troubled. But immediately He talked with them, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” Then He went up into the boat to them, and the wind ceased. And they were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure, and marveled” (Mark 6: 45 – 51.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

The Lord, desiring solitude, sent His disciples to the other side of the lake. However, a great wind began to oppose them and they were unable to reach their destination. Filled with compassion, Jesus walked across the sea to meet them. After a fearful exchange, He was received into the boat. Immediately the wind and the waves ceased, and the disciples were finally able to move forward. Like that boat, many human beings can also become trapped. Reaching a point of stagnation, they are no longer able to move forward. Sadly, most are unaware that the key to progress is to receive Jesus Christ.

In the 1890’s, Melvin Trotter had reached just such an impasse. The son of a drunken bartender, he began drinking and gambling at an early age. After marrying, he started a career as a barber. However his rampant alcoholism made it difficult for him to hold down a steady job. Eventually he began leaving his family for weeks at a time. One day, upon returning home, he was informed that his two year old child had died. Believing he was responsible, he considered suicide. As he stood beside the coffin he vowed never to touch another drop of alcohol. Two hours later he was drunk. He proceeded to steal the shoes off of the body of his lifeless child and headed to Chicago, where he sold them for another drink. Drunk and penniless he was nudged into the Pacific Garden Mission, where he accepted Jesus Christ into his heart. His life was suddenly transformed. God gave him the ability to work, to love, to live, and to stay sober. He was finally free to move forward. He began leading others to Christ and he eventually started his own rescue mission. Melvin would later say, “I had taken cure after cure. I had taken everything known to science, and had made resolution after resolution. But just one glimpse of Jesus Christ, and I have never wanted a drink from that instant to this!”

Many, like Mr. Trotter, will come to experience periods of stagnation. Facing obstacles that seem immovable, they will struggle to find a solution. However, the only real remedy is to receive Jesus Christ and to allow Him to eliminate the obstacle. Upon entering the heart, He causes the winds to cease and the waters to calm; by His power those who are trapped can finally move forward. May we all receive Jesus and be transformed by His mercy and grace.

“Lord Heavenly Father, please soften the hearts of those who are suffering, that they would receive Your beloved Son. By Your power may they grow, and learn, and be transformed. As every obstacle is removed and every barrier is destroyed, may they be healed and free to continue moving forward. We love You Father, we praise You and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you.